Psalm 71:1-171 A Psalm of David. Of the sons of Jonadab and the former captives. In you, O Lord, I have hoped; do not let me be brought to ruin forever.2 Free me by your justice, and rescue me. Incline your ear to me, and save me.3 Be a God of protection and a place of strength for me, so that you may accomplish my salvation. For you are my firmament and my refuge.4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the sinner, and from the hand of the unjust and those who act against the law.5 For you, O Lord, are my patience: my hope from my youth, O Lord.6 In you, I have been confirmed from conception. From my mother's womb, you are my protector. In you, I will sing forever.7 I have become to many as if I were a portent, but you are a strong helper.8 Let my mouth be filled with praise, so that I may sing your glory, your greatness all day long.9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age. Do not abandon me when my strength will fail.10 For my enemies have spoken against me. And those who watched for my soul have taken counsel as one,11 saying: "God has abandoned him. Pursue and overtake him. For there is no one to rescue him."12 O God, do not be far from me. O my God, provide for my assistance.13 May they be confounded, and may they fail, who drag down my soul. Let them be covered with confusion and shame, who seek evils for me.14 But I will always have hope. And I will add more to all your praise.15 My mouth will announce your justice, your salvation all day long. For I have not known letters.16 I will enter into the powers of the Lord. I will be mindful of your justice alone, O Lord.17 You have taught me from my youth, O God. And so I will declare your wonders continuously,Isaiah 49:1-61 Pay attention, you islands, and listen closely, you far away peoples. The Lord has called me from the womb; from the womb of my mother, he has been mindful of my name.2 And he has appointed my mouth as a sharp sword. In the shadow of his hand, he has protected me. And he has appointed me as an elect arrow. In his quiver, he has hidden me.3 And he has said to me: "You are my servant, Israel. For in you, I will glory."4 And I said: "I have labored toward emptiness. I have consumed my strength without purpose and in vain. Therefore, my judgment is with the Lord, and my work is with my God."5 And now, says the Lord, who formed me from the womb as his servant, so that I may bring back Jacob to him, for Israel will not be gathered together, but I have been glorified in the eyes of the Lord and my God has become my strength,6 and so he has said: "It is a small thing that you should be my servant so as to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and so as to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have offered you as a light for the Gentiles, so that you may be my salvation, even to the furthest regions of the earth."